Gotbaum: There are better ways to close a budget deficit

Today, Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum joined Councilmember Bill de Blasio, parents, unions and advocates to call on the City to reconsider its plan to eliminate slots for kindergarten-aged children in day care centers.

Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum said, “The city is expecting five-year-olds and their families to bear the burden of its budget problems. Many low-income parents rely on ACS to provide care for their children so they can work to make ends meet. Now, ACS is planning to close its kindergarten facilities, forcing these children to crowd into other facilities far from their homes. There are better ways to close a budget deficit than by increasing the burden on low-income parents and their children.”